Aftercare

PLEASE NOTE: These aftercare instructions are for the traditional healing method. If you have been bandaged with Tegaderm at the end of your tattoo appointment, the aftercare is different. Tegaderm aftercare instructions are given in person the day of your appointment.

Please contact Karolina directly should you have any questions.

  • Leave tattoo bandaged (done by artist, at shop) for 1-4 hours

  • Get in the habit of washing your hands clean before touching your tattoo

  • Upon removal of bandage, wash your tattoo using just your fingertips (never a luffa or cloth) with warm water and fragrance free anti-bacterial soap

  • Rinse with warm water & allow to air dry -or- pat the tattoo dry with a clean towel or paper towel

  • Do not apply moisturizer for 48 hours after the tattoo procedure

  • Repeat this wash 1-2 daily

  • Allow the skin to breathe as often as possible - if clothing is noticeably uncomfortable on your tattoo, consider different options

  • After 48 hours, your tattoo will start to dry out and feel tight on your skin, some scabbing, swelling, and soreness is normal. You will witness the tattoo undergo an incredible change from soreness, redness, and swelling - to eventually feeling tight, crusting, and scabbing

  • As the new skin is regenerated, the old skin will flake and fall off naturally, do not pick or fuss with scabs - it may damage the tattoo and/or lead to scarring - Moisturizing with clean hands will help alleviate itching

  • Only when the tattoo is excessively dry, apply a minimal amount of preferred moisturizer up to 2x daily for 2-4 weeks

  • Do not use Aquaphor, Neosporin, Vaseline, or any other petroleum jelly based products on your tattoo

  • Which aftercare is right for you? Different things work better for different people’s skin types. Fragrance free lotion is a simple & safe bet if you have no preference

  • Cruelty free/vegan products are really cool & you will be too if you use them. Do your research, read your labels

  • Your tattoo will be fully healed in approx. 2-4 weeks after it is done

  • Healed photo’s of the work are always so appreciated! Should it come to mind, DM: @karolina.olivia with healed pictures of the work

While Healing:

  • No Tanning / spray tan / glitter / shimmer powder

  • No swimming (pools, jacuzzis, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc.)

  • Showers are encouraged, baths are not

  • Avoid submerging tattoo under water for long periods of time

  • Avoid excessive sunlight or potential sunburn

  • Take care not to bump, burn, or scrape the tattooed area while healing

  • Be cautious of animal dander from pets in/on your clothes/home

  • Avoid tight clothing, including undergarmets or belts that may rub excessively. If it’s uncomfortable on the tattoo, it’s gotta go!

  • Do not pick or scratch at your tattoo - Moisturizing with clean hands will help alleviate itching.

  • For the lifetime of the tattoo it’s important to remember UV protection will help preserve the quality of the work longer. Throw some SPF 50 in your bag next time you’re headed out for fun in the sun! Your skin will thank you for it, as will your artist.